Muirhead House reopens to students after £6.25m refurbishment

University of Stirling students are benefiting from modernised, sustainable campus accommodation following the completion of the £6.25 million refurbishment of Muirhead House.

Kitchen in Muirhead House. Shows a table with chairs, and kitchen countertops with a yellow feature wall.
Shared kitchen facilities in Muirhead House

The ambitious project saw the replacement of the building’s roof, windows, kitchens, and bathrooms, alongside the introduction of energy efficiency measures such as cavity wall insulation and solar panels – contributing to the University’s goal of achieving net zero by 2040. Upgraded lighting and fire alarm systems were also installed.

Internally, all 127 bedrooms were refreshed with new flooring, decoration, fixtures, and furniture, while the building’s exterior was enhanced with renewed cladding and cleaned blockwork.

Photo of a bedroom in a student accommodation block, showing bed, sink and desk One of the refreshed bedrooms in Muirhead House

The works were fully funded by a loan from the Scottish Funding Council’s Route to Net Zero Carbon programme.

Enhanced and environmentally sustainable facilities

Professor Leigh Sparks, University of Stirling said: "Providing high-quality, affordable and diverse accommodation for our students is a top priority. The extensive refurbishment of Muirhead House ensures students will be able to enjoy its enhanced and environmentally sustainable facilities for years to come.”

Union President for Stirling Students’ Union, Leen Ali, added: “I’ve been involved in this project throughout, and it’s fantastic to see the University investing in modern, comfortable accommodation.

“These improvements will make a real difference in helping students feel at home on campus, and we look forward to seeing more of these great projects that will enhance student lives and their overall experience.”

Muirhead House is just one strand of the University’s ongoing commitment to improving its accommodation portfolio for students. Work is also currently underway on a £7.5 million project to renovate H H Donnelly House, also funded by the Scottish Funding Council – which is due to complete later this year.